China and Madagascar have been experiencing smooth development of bilateral ties since they established diplomatic relations on Nov. 6, 1972. Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana visited China in 2004. Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju and Wu Guanzheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, visited Madagascar in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Madagascar is a destination country for Chinese tourists. Bilateral trade amounted to US$197 million in 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2006)